It’s been the worst-kept secret in Elkhart for a while now, and the plans are now in place for the Elkhart Health, Fitness, Aquatics and Community Center.

Community leaders unveiled the plans for the $65 million facility this week as they announced a $10 million-dollar endowment funded in part by the community foundation and private donors.

The “World Class Facility” is part of a multi-year effort to replace the former Elkhart Youth and Community Center that was forced to close in 2014, due to the building falling into disrepair.

It will be one of only four such community centers of this magnitude in the entire country, and the 170,000 square-foot facility will compete for top flight swimming competitions. For instance, it has already caught the eye of the Notre Dame Diving Team, according to the Elkhart Truth.

The project is a partnership between the Community Foundation of Elkhart County and Beacon Health System. The center should be completed by early 2019.